Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others. Drugs called antivirals may be used to treat herpes infections.

Hormonal therapy (with estrogen or progesterone) may be used in women who have reached menopause (postmenopausal).

When these treatments have not worked or when cervicitis has been present for a long time, treatment may include:

Cryosurgery (freezing)

Electrocauterization

Laser therapy

Outlook (Prognosis)

Simple cervicitis usually heals with treatment if the cause is found and there is a treatment for that cause.

Cervicitis can last for months or years.

Possible Complications

Cervicitis may last for months to years. Cervicitis may lead to pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.

Prevention

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of cervicitis:

Avoid chemical irritants such as douches and deodorant tampons.

Make sure that any foreign objects you insert into your vagina (such as tampons) are placed properly. Be sure to follow instructions on how long to leave it inside, how often to change it, or how often to clean it.

Not having sexual intercourse (abstinence) is the only absolute method of preventing sexually transmitted cervicitis. A monogamous sexual relationship with someone who is known to be free of any STI can reduce the risk. Monogamous means you and your partner do not have sex with any other people. See: Safe Sex

You can greatly lower your risk of catching an STI by using a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are available for both men and women, but are most commonly worn by the man. A condom must be used properly every time.